Enhancement of Vegetative Parameters of Brinjal in Proplates by the Application of Bacterial Endophytes - <i>Azospirillum brasilense</i> and<i> Pseudomonas fluorescens</i>

An experiment was carried out with endophytic fixing bacteria Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas fluorescens isolated from brinjal, in different combinations with inorganic fertilizers by seed inoculation of brinjal to observe preliminary vegetative growth at 15th and 30th day and pigment contents in vegetable nursery bed (proplates). A total number of 28 endophytic bacteria isolated from brinjal from three localities (Annamalai University, Karaikal and Putthur). Further the isolates were subjected to various biochemical tests for their species level identification and nitrogen fixing ability was estimated. Based upon their N-fixing ability and IAA production, two strains, one Azospirillum sp. and one Pseudomonas sp. isolate was selected and tested for its performance in brinjal. The seeds treated with 75% Chemical fertilizer + Azospirillum brasilense + Pseudomonas fluorescens (T6) showed maximum plant vegetative characters, followed by others compared with control.

Isolation and Identification of Elite Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria from Soil under Paddy Cultivation

A considerable number of bacterial species are able to exert a beneficial effect upon plant growth. Mostly they are associated with the plant rhizosphere, so they are called as rhizobacteria. Phosphorus is an essential element for plant development and growth making up about 0.2 % of plant dry weight. Several scientists have reported the ability of different bacterial species to solubilize insoluble inorganic phosphate compounds, such as tricalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, and rock phosphate. Detection and estimation of the phosphate solublization ability of microorganisms have been possible using plate screening methods. Phosphate solubilizers produce clearing zones around the microbial colonies in growth media. In the present investigation a total number of fifteen phosphate solubilizing bacterial colonies isolated from different paddy soils in Cuddalore district of Tamilnadu, India. The isolated PSB were identified and characterized for effective use in the field. All the PSB isolates were identified as Bacillus species and designated as P with serial number from 1 to 15. Among the fifteen isolates, the PSB isolate P6 showed highest amount of phosphate solubilization. The quantity of available phosphorus estimated in the P6 grown Sperber broth culture medium on 7th day was maximum of 321.7 μg/ml which was the highest value compared to other PSB isolates.

Isolation and Identification of Elite Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria from Soil under Paddy Cultivation

A considerable number of bacterial species are able to exert a beneficial effect upon plant growth. Mostly they are associated with the plant rhizosphere, so they are called as rhizobacteria. Phosphorus is an essential element for plant development and growth making up about 0.2 % of plant dry weight. Several scientists have reported the ability of different bacterial species to solubilize insoluble inorganic phosphate compounds, such as tricalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, and rock phosphate. Detection and estimation of the phosphate solublization ability of microorganisms have been possible using plate screening methods. Phosphate solubilizers produce clearing zones around the microbial colonies in growth media. In the present investigation a total number of fifteen phosphate solubilizing bacterial colonies isolated from different paddy soils in Cuddalore district of Tamilnadu, India. The isolated PSB were identified and characterized for effective use in the field. All the PSB isolates were identified as Bacillus species and designated as P with serial number from 1 to 15. Among the fifteen isolates, the PSB isolate P6 showed highest amount of phosphate solubilization. The quantity of available phosphorus estimated in the P6 grown Sperber broth culture medium on 7th day was maximum of 321.7 μg/ml which was the highest value compared to other PSB isolates.

Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma involving nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and all paranasal sinuses with bilateral orbital and intracranial extension: A rare case report

Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma (SNTCS) is one of the rarest, aggressive malignant neoplasms of sinonasal tract, consisting of primitive neuroepithelial elements with various malignant epithelial and mesenchymal components. Previously described as teratoid carcinosarcoma, malignant teratoma, or blastoma, SNTCS constitutes less than 1% of all cancers and approximately 3% of all malignancies of head and neck region, which is mainly located in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, although tumors occurring in other locations including the nasopharynx and oral cavity have been described. Here, we are presenting a 22-year-old patient with SNTCS involving the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and all paranasal sinuses with bilateral orbital and intracranial extension treated with surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Analysis of long-term outcomes for combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and glaucoma tube shunt surgery in eyes with advanced glaucoma

PURPOSE

To analyze 12- and 24-month visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and complications associated with combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and glaucoma tube shunt placement in eyes with glaucoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with advanced glaucoma who underwent combined PPV and tube shunt surgery from 2006 to 2010. A minimum of 12 months of follow-up was required for their inclusion in the study. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, complications, and number of glaucoma medications at 1 and 2 years postoperatively were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight eyes met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline visual acuity was 20/200 or worse in 14/28 eyes (50.0%) and 20/40 or better in 2/28 eyes (7.1%). Visual acuity remained 20/200 or worse in 50.0% (P=0.921) and 44.4% (P=0.973) of eyes after 1 and 2 years postoperatively, respectively. At baseline, the mean intraocular pressure was 30.4 mm Hg. There was significant improvement in mean IOP at 1 year (14.7 mm Hg, P=0.001) and at 2 years (15.2 mm Hg, P=0.001) postoperatively. Baseline number of glaucoma medications averaged 3.0±1.09 (SD), and improved to 1.8±1.28 (SD) at 1 year (P=0.0002) and to 1.4±1.33 at 2 years (P<0.0001) postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective interventional case series, surgical management of advanced glaucoma with a combination of PPV and glaucoma tube shunt resulted in significantly reduced IOP and glaucoma medications at 1 and 2 years postoperatively.

Acute traumatic orbital encephalocele: A case report with review of literature

Orbital roof fractures after a blunt injury are an uncommon complication of trauma. Traumatic encephaloceles in the orbital cavity are even rarer, with only 15 cases published till date. Raised intraorbital pressure leading to irreversible damage to the optic nerve can be prevented by early diagnosis and management. Orbital computed tomography (CT) with thin axial and coronal sections is helpful in trauma patients with a concurrent orbital trauma. Decompression of the orbital roof is the key step in surgical treatment and should be performed in every case. Repairing the orbital roof has to be performed to avoid transmission of variation in the intracranial pressure to the orbit. We present a case of traumatic orbital encephalocele who underwent surgical treatment via a frontobasal approach with evacuation of the contused herniated brain and reconstruction of the orbital roof using temporalis fascia which is readily available in contrast to costly materials like titanium mesh, screws, bone powder, fibrin glue, and so on, which are not easily available in every hospital. Rapid resolution of proptosis and visual symptoms along with excellent cosmetic outcome was seen at follow-ups after three and nine months. We emphasize the early diagnosis of this rare condition and also emergency treatment to prevent permanent visual loss as well as to achieve good cosmetic results.

SU-E-T-587: Whole IMRT, Hybrid IMRT and 3D Conformal Plan a Dosimetric Comparison for Large Target

PURPOSE

To dosimetrically compare the whole-IMRT, hybrid-IMRT (combination of IMRT and 3D-CRT) and 3D-conformal radiotherapy (3D- CRT) plans for larger targets.

METHODS

Five previously treated patients of carcinoma cervix with para-aortic lymph-nodes (target length 33-34cm) were selected. PTV-P (PTV-Primary), PTV-PA (PTV-para-aortic) and organ at risks (OARs) were defined. Three plans were generated using Eclipse TPS for Varian CL2300C/D linear accelerator using 6MV photon beam. Three plans were: (i) Whole-IMRT: IMRT for both PTV-P and PTV-PA (ii) Hybrid-IMRT: IMRT for PTV-P and 3D-CRT for PTV-PA (iii) 3D-CRT: 3D-CRT for both PTV-P and PTV-PA. Prescription dose for PTV-P is 50.4Gy and PTV-PA is 45Gy in 28 fractions. Coverage index (CI=Target volume covered by prescription dose/Target volume), mean doses to bladder, rectum and bowel were used for plan comparison by using DVH. Integral dose (liter-Gray) to normal tissue (i.e., patient volume minus PTV-P and PTV-PA) and total monitor units (MUs) required to deliver a plan was also noted.

RESULTS

The CI for PTV-P is 0.98±0.20, 0.96±0.09, and 0.95±0.01 for Whole-IMRT, Hybrid-IMRT and 3D-CRT plan and for PTV- PA is 0.98±0.01, 0.98±0.01, and 0.97±0.20. Maximum doses to PTV-P are 5660.85±90.85cGy, 5640.35±70.35cGy and 5813.80±97.40cGy. Maximum doses to PTV-PA are 5000.60±109.10cGy, 5079.85±20.25cGy and 5092.25±19.75cGy. Mean doses to the bladder are 3810±225.80cGy, 3842.10±182.70cGy and 5204±98.25cGy for Whole-IMRT, Hybrid-IMRT and 3D-CRT plan, respectively. Mean doses to rectum are 3955.35±324.95cGy, 3971.15±354.15cGy and 4741.20±371.60cGy. Mean doses to bowel are 2623.35±320.85cGy, 2855.30±371.05cGy and 3011.7±433.80cGy. Average MUs required to deliver one fraction is 1285±87, 1585±186, 485±46 for Whole-IMRT, Hybrid-IMRT and 3D-CRT plans, respectively. Higher integral doses to normal tissue were observed for whole-IMRT (267.60±76 liter-Gy) followed by hybrid-IMRT (259.20±53 liter-Gy) and 3D-CRT (186.30±33 liter-Gy).

CONCLUSIONS

Whole-IMRT is useful for larger targets compared to hybrid-IMRT in terms of dose conformity, lesser MUs and reduced critical organ doses with little compromise on integral dose, where 3D-CRT sacrificed the OAR sparing.

Delayed presentation of a thorn prick as an intramedullary abscess

Penetrating injury to the spine is the third most common cause of spinal injury. Injuries due to bullet, glass, nails and pencil injuries are well documented in literature. We report a rare case of delayed onset intramedullary abscess following thorn prick and have reviewed the literature for similar forms of injuries.